I-805 South Express Lanes project on the move

SOUTH COUNTY  Construction will begin on sound walls later this month as part of the Interstate 805 South Express Lanes project, a $1.4 billion effort funded by federal, state and local programs.

It’s a collaboration between Caltrans and the San Diego Association of Governments.

The freeway project, which began in the summer, includes 10 sound walls, carpool lanes from East Palomar Street in Chula Vista to state Route 94 in San Diego, a direct carpool access ramp, transit station and park and ride.

Completion of the first phase is expected in late 2014.

The sound walls are meant to reduce freeway noise and enhance the quality of life for nearby communities. Construction on the sound walls will occur between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Phase two is expected to begin in 2015 and expand transportation by building out carpool lanes into two express lanes in each direction, the addition of in-line transit stations and freeway-to-freeway HOV connectors.

The second phase is scheduled for completion in 2020.

Officials say the lanes will provide an efficient way to travel for South County motorists who carpool and take transit to and from San Diego.

The project, anticipated to create a modern transportation backbone for South County, is about 11 miles between East Palomar Street in Chula Vista and the I-805/State Route 15 interchange in San Diego.